We were up fairly early this morning. We had checked out by 8:30 and took the tram up to the Centraal Station to stow our luggage for the day. In our research we learned that we might have trouble using our debit card (or any card) to access a locker (they are all automated), but we didn't have any problems at all. It was very straight forward, we received a retrieval ticket, and we could fit our bags in one locker.
After the Station we walked to Dam Square. It's an open, central area with the large Amstel River running through it. Dusty was beginning to look a little scruffy--he didn't pack his electric razor.
We decided to walk a little before we took the tram to the Museum district. This area is almost to the Red Light District, which we accidentally discovered after getting a little mixed around (I stupidly forgot the map in our luggage).
We found a tram stop nearby, and while waiting noticed cars, workers, and the generally jumbled feeling of the city. It's not a very clean city. We didn't see anyone tidying up, as we had in the other cities we visited. It does certainly have a charm of its own though.
After getting on the right tram (which proved difficult as their system isn't well marked, even on the free tram map), we got to the museum district. Located there is the iconic I Am Amsterdam metal sign. Behind me in the picture is the Rijksmuseum.
Here is a cute little family. The dad is on a two-seater with his son. The mom is on another bike with a little cart on the front for the little girl. Cool!
We chose to see the Van Gogh Museum over the Rijks. Although I really love most Dutch painters, the Rijks Museum is almost completely closed for renovation right now with only a tiny portion open.
We really enjoyed the Van Gogh exhibits. The museum was very well done. I've always found his art a little bizarre, but exciting at the same time. His paint is thick-- canvases full of color--at least at the end of his life. The museum did an excellent job in giving us the details of his life and the inspiration/influence behind his art. His life was a cacophony of beauty and sadness.
In the bookstore we found our favorite postcards and a few things for the boys. I really wanted to get a lot a this one, but was afraid they would end up breaking during our traipsing across borders. We were getting ready for lunch. We started walking along the canals and ended up finding a little cafe. We bought a french duck and watercress sandwich which we ended up feeling ambivalent about. I thought it needed more flavor, but it was satisfying.
There are many interesting things to do in Amsterdam. We talked about going to the Rembranthuis (Rembrant's art studio), the Dutch Resistance Museum, or the Anne Frank House, but chose to spend the rest of our hours just wandering through the city, admiring the canals and houses. We knew this was going to be a quick visit.
In between the canals were quaint shops and vibrant shopping areas. We did lots of window shopping. A woman asked if Dusty was in the market for a "summer jacket". We laughed, realizing how silly that sounded to us, being from the desert. Almost the entire trip, we searched for the elusive jacket he kept seeing on other men. :) We browsed through loads of jackets on this vacation.
The canals really are lovely. Most have flower boxes. And usually a houseboat or two somewhere in them. Can you imagine living on a houseboat?
From the front, the houses have quite a bit of variety, but from the side, they are straight as nails and all the same.
Our sprint-visit of Amsterdam had come to an end. I'm glad we took the opportunity to pop up there, even for a short time. It is was neat to see how the Dutch people lived.
On our way back to the train station, we stopped to buy snacks--waffles with chocolate, sandwiches, colas. We ran into the Elders (Mormon missionaries) on our way. They seemed surprised to be meeting other LDS members.
Getting our luggage was easy. We inserted our little ticket and the door to our locker popped open. This was the first train for us that was unreserved. With our rail pass we could hop on any train we desired. We had looked up train departures from DB Bahn before coming on our trip. We timed our arrival, found our platform number on the departures list, and caught the train. On the sign above the platform, it gives which areas of the platform board first class or second class. It took us a few journeys to figure that out. We had to hustle many times to the other end of the train to get on.
We were not guaranteed a certain seat on the train without a reservation, and we did have to move once, but the ride was comfortable and very high speed. We found that there were always many seats empty in first class (especially in Germany) so we never worried about not having a seat. We did travel in May though, so maybe the summer is different.
What I want to remember about Amsterdam:
bikes everywhere figuring out the tram how it reminded us of Fairbanks, AK at first
american brands everywhere lots of English spoken Dutch TV at night
loving the Van Gogh M the canals and flowers colors of houses and rooftops
boats along the canals figuring out the train station the waffles and pancakes
how many tourist shops there were learning to use our railpass
It took us almost three hours to arrive in Cologne, Germany. We arrived just a little after 7 pm. I knew we had the chance of arriving late, so I booked us a room in a hostel that was very close to the train station. It was the Station-Hostel for Backpackers. Don't be thrown by the name. It was a decent place. It was only a few euros extra for us to reserve a private room with a bath, so we did it. The location was amazing. It was just around the corner from the station. We checked in and then set off to see a little of the city.
As you arrive across a long bridge on the train, you get your first glimpse of the Cologne Catherdral. And as you exit the station, THERE IT IS. Literally looming 50 meters away from you. So tall and mighty. It has blackened from the pollution around it, and the gothic architecture gives it an other-worldly quality. The sunset lit, and warmed, the stone on the exterior, and gave us a good look at its details.
This is the portal over the front doors to enter the Cathedral. Some of the statues are original, some are replacements. Can you guess which is which?
Upon entering the church, you first see the stained glass windows. Our jaws dropped. Literally. Dropped. They are amazing. The colors, design, and craftsmanship are marvelous. I thought "there's no way those are from medieval times", and I was right. Some were replaced in the nineteenth century by King Ludwig. Those replacements are breathtaking. They must have cost a bomb.
We didn't get pictures-- I don't know why--of the Renaissance aged glass. It was very lovely as well. At the front of the Cathedral is some of the original glass. It is far more conservative, as it cost a fortune to put in. We sat for a bit, just staring upwards, marveling. That's the point of a Cathedral I think.
After we were done and because it was so late everything was closed, we wandered to the edge of the Rhine River.
This is a view of the bridge the trains arrive on. You can also walk along it and add your own padlock to the thousands of locks already clasped to the railing. Most people have their names etched in on their lock--symbolic of having their hearts locked together forever.
My very mature, and non-German-speaking husband, snapped a picture of this sign. I can't imagine why. . . . .
These are actually times listed for the K-D cruise ships on the Rhine. We were planning on taking one in the morning.
Crossing over another bridge, we watched boats sail along the river, and the sun set on Cologne. Can you see the two spires of the Cathedral? I'm not sure what the other church is. Where's my Rick Steves book when I need it?
We crossed back to the bank and followed the flow of people past many restaurants. When we found one that looked just right, we sat down outside and ordered. Our waiter spoke just enough English to understand us. We tried some German, but ended up just laughing at ourselves. We ordered a French Onion soup (ended up getting two, but that's okay) and swine-schnitzel with frites. There were some Fire Throwers, who entertained us, and a large party of French adults who laughed and laughed and caused quite a scene. So funny.
With our bellies full, we strolled back to our hotel. In the lobby we got online and checked things, and then finally called it a night. There were a few giggly girls out in the hallway, so in went our earplugs, and we slept like babies..... well babies who sleep through the night. You know how it is.
In Hindsight:
If you don't have much time in a city, spend the extra money and get a hotel close to the center of town. It worked great for us in Cologne, and we wish we would have done that in Amsterdam.
Cologne is definitely a city I want to return to someday and see more of. It was immaculate, full of friendly people, and had lots more to do and see.
After the Station we walked to Dam Square. It's an open, central area with the large Amstel River running through it. Dusty was beginning to look a little scruffy--he didn't pack his electric razor.
We decided to walk a little before we took the tram to the Museum district. This area is almost to the Red Light District, which we accidentally discovered after getting a little mixed around (I stupidly forgot the map in our luggage).
We found a tram stop nearby, and while waiting noticed cars, workers, and the generally jumbled feeling of the city. It's not a very clean city. We didn't see anyone tidying up, as we had in the other cities we visited. It does certainly have a charm of its own though.
After getting on the right tram (which proved difficult as their system isn't well marked, even on the free tram map), we got to the museum district. Located there is the iconic I Am Amsterdam metal sign. Behind me in the picture is the Rijksmuseum.
It was so neat to see the thousands of bikes everywhere. So many kinds, shapes, sizes. And all rigged up with various baskets, seats, you name it.
Here is a cute little family. The dad is on a two-seater with his son. The mom is on another bike with a little cart on the front for the little girl. Cool!
We chose to see the Van Gogh Museum over the Rijks. Although I really love most Dutch painters, the Rijks Museum is almost completely closed for renovation right now with only a tiny portion open.
We really enjoyed the Van Gogh exhibits. The museum was very well done. I've always found his art a little bizarre, but exciting at the same time. His paint is thick-- canvases full of color--at least at the end of his life. The museum did an excellent job in giving us the details of his life and the inspiration/influence behind his art. His life was a cacophony of beauty and sadness.
In the bookstore we found our favorite postcards and a few things for the boys. I really wanted to get a lot a this one, but was afraid they would end up breaking during our traipsing across borders. We were getting ready for lunch. We started walking along the canals and ended up finding a little cafe. We bought a french duck and watercress sandwich which we ended up feeling ambivalent about. I thought it needed more flavor, but it was satisfying.
There are many interesting things to do in Amsterdam. We talked about going to the Rembranthuis (Rembrant's art studio), the Dutch Resistance Museum, or the Anne Frank House, but chose to spend the rest of our hours just wandering through the city, admiring the canals and houses. We knew this was going to be a quick visit.
In between the canals were quaint shops and vibrant shopping areas. We did lots of window shopping. A woman asked if Dusty was in the market for a "summer jacket". We laughed, realizing how silly that sounded to us, being from the desert. Almost the entire trip, we searched for the elusive jacket he kept seeing on other men. :) We browsed through loads of jackets on this vacation.
The canals really are lovely. Most have flower boxes. And usually a houseboat or two somewhere in them. Can you imagine living on a houseboat?
From the front, the houses have quite a bit of variety, but from the side, they are straight as nails and all the same.
Our sprint-visit of Amsterdam had come to an end. I'm glad we took the opportunity to pop up there, even for a short time. It is was neat to see how the Dutch people lived.
On our way back to the train station, we stopped to buy snacks--waffles with chocolate, sandwiches, colas. We ran into the Elders (Mormon missionaries) on our way. They seemed surprised to be meeting other LDS members.
Getting our luggage was easy. We inserted our little ticket and the door to our locker popped open. This was the first train for us that was unreserved. With our rail pass we could hop on any train we desired. We had looked up train departures from DB Bahn before coming on our trip. We timed our arrival, found our platform number on the departures list, and caught the train. On the sign above the platform, it gives which areas of the platform board first class or second class. It took us a few journeys to figure that out. We had to hustle many times to the other end of the train to get on.
We were not guaranteed a certain seat on the train without a reservation, and we did have to move once, but the ride was comfortable and very high speed. We found that there were always many seats empty in first class (especially in Germany) so we never worried about not having a seat. We did travel in May though, so maybe the summer is different.
What I want to remember about Amsterdam:
bikes everywhere figuring out the tram how it reminded us of Fairbanks, AK at first
american brands everywhere lots of English spoken Dutch TV at night
loving the Van Gogh M the canals and flowers colors of houses and rooftops
boats along the canals figuring out the train station the waffles and pancakes
how many tourist shops there were learning to use our railpass
It took us almost three hours to arrive in Cologne, Germany. We arrived just a little after 7 pm. I knew we had the chance of arriving late, so I booked us a room in a hostel that was very close to the train station. It was the Station-Hostel for Backpackers. Don't be thrown by the name. It was a decent place. It was only a few euros extra for us to reserve a private room with a bath, so we did it. The location was amazing. It was just around the corner from the station. We checked in and then set off to see a little of the city.
As you arrive across a long bridge on the train, you get your first glimpse of the Cologne Catherdral. And as you exit the station, THERE IT IS. Literally looming 50 meters away from you. So tall and mighty. It has blackened from the pollution around it, and the gothic architecture gives it an other-worldly quality. The sunset lit, and warmed, the stone on the exterior, and gave us a good look at its details.
This is the portal over the front doors to enter the Cathedral. Some of the statues are original, some are replacements. Can you guess which is which?
Upon entering the church, you first see the stained glass windows. Our jaws dropped. Literally. Dropped. They are amazing. The colors, design, and craftsmanship are marvelous. I thought "there's no way those are from medieval times", and I was right. Some were replaced in the nineteenth century by King Ludwig. Those replacements are breathtaking. They must have cost a bomb.
We didn't get pictures-- I don't know why--of the Renaissance aged glass. It was very lovely as well. At the front of the Cathedral is some of the original glass. It is far more conservative, as it cost a fortune to put in. We sat for a bit, just staring upwards, marveling. That's the point of a Cathedral I think.
After we were done and because it was so late everything was closed, we wandered to the edge of the Rhine River.
This is a view of the bridge the trains arrive on. You can also walk along it and add your own padlock to the thousands of locks already clasped to the railing. Most people have their names etched in on their lock--symbolic of having their hearts locked together forever.
My very mature, and non-German-speaking husband, snapped a picture of this sign. I can't imagine why. . . . .
These are actually times listed for the K-D cruise ships on the Rhine. We were planning on taking one in the morning.
Crossing over another bridge, we watched boats sail along the river, and the sun set on Cologne. Can you see the two spires of the Cathedral? I'm not sure what the other church is. Where's my Rick Steves book when I need it?
We crossed back to the bank and followed the flow of people past many restaurants. When we found one that looked just right, we sat down outside and ordered. Our waiter spoke just enough English to understand us. We tried some German, but ended up just laughing at ourselves. We ordered a French Onion soup (ended up getting two, but that's okay) and swine-schnitzel with frites. There were some Fire Throwers, who entertained us, and a large party of French adults who laughed and laughed and caused quite a scene. So funny.
With our bellies full, we strolled back to our hotel. In the lobby we got online and checked things, and then finally called it a night. There were a few giggly girls out in the hallway, so in went our earplugs, and we slept like babies..... well babies who sleep through the night. You know how it is.
In Hindsight:
If you don't have much time in a city, spend the extra money and get a hotel close to the center of town. It worked great for us in Cologne, and we wish we would have done that in Amsterdam.
Cologne is definitely a city I want to return to someday and see more of. It was immaculate, full of friendly people, and had lots more to do and see.
1 comment:
Poor little Amsterdam, the Fairbanks of Europe. :) Those windows are awesome indeed. Also-favorite word of the post? Cacophany. :) Also too? I had forgotten about Anne Frank's connection to that city. Crazy. Love the detailed updates! I'm proud of you for keeping such good records! Woot!
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